How do you turn on wireless capability on a windows vista home premium?

I have been trying for hours, but my computer keeps reading there may be a problem with one or more network adapters, and then it gives me the option to turn on wireless capability. Is there a switch? The other two computers in my house are working fine on our private wireless network, except for this one. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Comments

  • You didn't specify what kind of system you're running so i'll try and be as broad as I can. Almost all laptops have a physical wireless switch located on one of it's sides. It usually has a wireless "radio" symbol and a light associated with it. If it's a PC you'll either have an external adapter (usually taking up one of your USB slots) or the less popular pci card. In any case make sure it's connected or switched on. Some computers, usually ones that are built by mainstream companies like Dell, HP, ect also have a software "switch" programmed into their wireless manager that you need to enable first. Using windows to manage your wireless is usually best but the third-party wireless managers will disable it upon installation (and it's usually pre-loaded). The best place to look is on your task bar (by the clock) and hover over each icon - looking for a wireless manager. Try to enable anything you can. Lastly you could have a driver problem. The best place to look is in device manager, (Right click "Computer" and go to properties, look for device manager on the left side) This will show all the devices you have connected, you're looking for anything with a yellow or red exclamation point, the name will most likely have to do with wireless. If this is the case you have a driver problem and windows could not resolve it. Search the web for your adapter's driver or install the disk/cd that came with it. As a last resort you could contact your manufacturer, they will know more about your computer than anyone else.

  • The software (OS in this case) does support wireless networks but unless you have wireless cards installed in each computer you still won't have wireless! The router is just a connection device that wireless cards can connect into.

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